It was much colder up there but many of the locals were telling us they were also having a warm spell. It was milder than usual but we still had some drizzle and about 30 seconds of freezing rain.
We boarded the train at 7:30am in a very organized manner. Our tickets had the coach number on it and all we had to do was find the right coach and climb on. There were plenty of empty seats so we had the freedom to change seats if we wanted to for better views. Taking pictures was a challenge with all the clicking clacking, rocking and rolling motion of a moving train, but I did my best.
As we climbed up into the wilderness it became misty creating a surreal look of quiet peace and solitude. I fully expected a huge bull moose or white tail deer to emerge from the woods at any moment but we didn't see any wild life. The conductor announced that the animals hear the train approaching and take cover. I think there were seven cars including the dining car that offered full menus for both breakfast and lunch. We ate both meals on board and found the food very tasty with moderate prices.
Our seating was very comfortable for the five hour ride with huge windows giving everyone full view. The seats even reclined so napping was almost a given with the gentle rocking of the train.
We took a few snacks along but noticed the more experienced travelers brought coolers with the makings of light lunches of their own. One entire car was full of ladies from a knitting club, the buzz of women talking and knitting needles working at high speed was very evident. Another car appeared to be for families with children and they were having just as much fun with activities of all sorts going on to keep the nervous energy of kids down to a small roar.
Our car appeared to be mostly couples of middle age to older individuals so our car had muffled conversations going on most of the time. We weren't allowed to detrain, but the spring, summer and fall trips do allow getting off and time to walk through trails or just sit at picnic areas for about an hour. We returned in time take a walk through the local mall to shake out our legs and learn how to walk without bouncing from side to side that we did alot of on the train. Maneuvering on the train was comical, not to mention the balancing act that was required to use the restroom. We did have a great time and came home to almost no snow, which was a pleasant surprise.
Our car appeared to be mostly couples of middle age to older individuals so our car had muffled conversations going on most of the time. We weren't allowed to detrain, but the spring, summer and fall trips do allow getting off and time to walk through trails or just sit at picnic areas for about an hour. We returned in time take a walk through the local mall to shake out our legs and learn how to walk without bouncing from side to side that we did alot of on the train. Maneuvering on the train was comical, not to mention the balancing act that was required to use the restroom. We did have a great time and came home to almost no snow, which was a pleasant surprise.